Summer STEM Program

Applications for the 2017 Summer STEM Program will become available in early January 2017.

The Albert Nerken School of Engineering at the Cooper Union has been preparing high school students to pursue undergraduate careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for over 25 years.

The Summer STEM Program is a six-week intensive that immerses current high school sophomores and juniors in hands-on engineering design and problem-solving, thereby placing them on the right track for careers in technological innovation. Projects range broadly and include robotics, digital fabrication, computer programming and app development, biomedical and genetic engineering, improved urban infrastructure, and even racecar design. Faculty and teaching assistants from the departments of civil, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering provide students with foundational knowledge and expert guidance to address real-world problems in their respective disciplines of expertise.

Students also attend workshops on oral presentation skills, technical writing, career counseling, and college admissions. They are given access to Cooper Union’s library resources, computer facilities, and laboratories to perform their research, design, analysis, and prototyping. Typically, projects include at least one field trip to a local museum, exhibition, or gallery to enhance the students’ experience. This program culminates with each group submitting technical writing assignment summarizing their research and presenting their work to an audience of invited guests. To recognize their successful completion of the program students will receive a certificate of achievement from the Albert Nerken School of Engineering.

Program Goals: As part of Cooper Union's legacy, financial aid will be made available, up to 100% of the cost, for students who either meet criteria of need and/or who are otherwise underrepresented in the STEM fields. We therefore encourage all students to apply for this enriching educational opportunity.

Program Period: Monday, July 10 through Thursday, August 17.

Daily Schedule:Monday through Thursday 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

2017 Tuition & Fees: $3,250 and a non-refundable $50 application fee. Financial aid (up to 100%, including application fee) available to those who qualify. If the application fee is prohibitive, have your guidance counselor contact us so that we can discuss a waiver (summerSTEM@cooper.edu ). Please make sure that you start (but do not submit) your application online before this discussion happens.

Transportation: At the discretion of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, all students may receive Metrocards to cover transportation costs.

ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSIONS CRITERIAThis program is open to current high school sophomores or juniors spending the summer in the Greater NYC area. Students must be sophomores or juniors during the period in which they apply (rising juniors and seniors in the summer they attend the program). Admission to the program is selective. We are looking for high-achieving students who have a passion for the STEM fields. These characteristics should be apparent in their transcript, personal essay, and letter of recommendation from a teacher in the STEM fields or a guidance counselor. Grades are not the only criteria for admission. We are looking for hard-working, creative students for whom this program would be transformative in their educational careers.

Note: Acceptance or rejection to the Cooper Union Summer STEM Program does not affect entrance to Cooper Union’s undergraduate program.

Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.